We have answered some Frequently Asked Questions based on our relevant policies. If you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.
What do you do if my child is crying?
If a child cries we reassure and comfort them by using information given in the My Story So Far. This can be used in a variety of ways including:
- Encourage them to play with familiar toys
- Encourage participation in favourite activities
- Encouraging them to interact with other children
If a child continues to show separation anxieties we will work with the parents to develop strategies to help them settle.
To help your child settle in we encourage parents to:
- Say goodbye to their child and explain they will be coming back and when
- Provide as much information about their child by completing the My Story So Far
What if I want to look at my child’s work?
Your child’s development records including observations, photographs and samples of work are recorded on our on-line learning journal ‘Tapestry’ and can be accessed, and contributed to, by staff, the child and the child’s parents. Most of your child’s work is sent home or displayed around the setting. If you have any queries your Keyperson or other members of staff will be happy to help you.
What if my child has an allergy?
When children start at the Pre-School, parents are asked if their child suffers from any known allergies, this is recorded on the registration form which is kept in the child’s personal file. We transfer this information onto our Allergies and Medical Condition chart which is displayed where all staff can see it.
What if my child is in nappies?
Don’t worry, many children start attending Pre-School in nappies. We work with parents towards successful toilet training. If your child is still in nappies or equivalent, we require you to provide a named bag containing nappies or pull ups, changing wipes and a change of named clothes.
What if my child needs medicine?
We will agree to administer medication as part of maintaining a child’s health and well being or when they are recovering from an illness.
- Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend Pre-School.
- Only prescribed medication may be administered. It must be in-date and prescribed for the current condition.
- Children’s prescribed medicines are stored in their original containers, are clearly labelled and in-accessible to the children.
- Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication.
What do I need to do if I have a complaint?
We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff.
If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns. We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our Pre-School to a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties involved. Please see our Policy – Complaints procedure for parents and service users (10.02)
What is confidentiality?
At Acorns we value having a confidential relationship with all our families meaning that all parents/carers should feel confident about sharing information within the setting.
All within the Acorns Community are encouraged to value and respect the privacy of all children and their families.
What happens if I am late to collect my child?
To support and reassure children we encourage prompt collection at all times, however, we appreciate that sometimes unexpected situations arise. Should such occasion happen you need to:
- Phone Pre-School to advise time of arrival or alternative person authorised to collect the child.
- Authorised alternative person must have the agreed Pre-School Password. Passwords are given on Registration.
Why does my child come home messy?
We believe that children learn naturally through play. We provide a variety of ways to support the children’s learning including:
Construction, Painting, Glueing and Sticking, Water and Sand, Homecorner & Role Play, Outdoor Activities including Planting and Growing
We encourage children to use protective clothing for messy activities however we encourage all children to be dressed appropriately for messy play. Don’t forget to use your Acorns T-Shirt.
What do I need to know about providing a packed lunch?
We encourage parents to provide a healthy lunchbox which could include; sandwiches, savoury snack, pasta, fruit and yoghurt and a drink.
We discourage snacks high in fat and sugar and fizzy drinks.
Due to staff and child allergies this preschool has a no Eggs or Nuts including Peanut Butter and Nutella
We encourage lunch boxes and water bottles are cleaned regularly to keep them hygienic.
What do I do if my child is ill?
Infections in pre-school can spread quickly and as a precaution to stop this happening we may ask you to collect your child if they are exhibiting signs of illness. We advise that the following guideline and exclusions should be kept to:
- Gastric Upsets from illness – Do not return to pre-school until 48 hours after the last attack of diarrhoea, loose stools or sickness.
- Gastric Upsets from any other reasons – This may occur due to intolerance of food, medication, additives, or other reasons, and needs to be discussed with staff before leaving your child at preschool.
- Conjunctivitis – If the eyes are weepy with a yellow discharge, do not return to pre-school until 24 hours after the discharge has stopped.
- Impetigo – Exclusion is necessary until all the scabs have cleared from the infected area.
- Chicken Pox – All spots must be dry and scabbed over before returning to pre-school.
- High Temperature – If a child’s temperature is above 37.5 C or above they are not to attend pre-school.
Acorns Community Pre-School 